Shi'a

"Party" of 'Ali. The Shiites believe that Mohammad designated his son-in-law, 'Ali, to succeed him as leader of the umma of Islam. Members of Shiite communities (which often vary from each other on important issues) number about 10-15% of the total Muslim community today. 'Ali b Abi Talib formed Shiat 'Ali (Party of 'Ali) believing that Mohammad had appointed 'Ali as his successor. Others did not believe this.

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